NYSP news release
SYRACUSE, NY — On August 28, 2021, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Trooper Timothy D. LeFever conducted a traffic stop on a 2018 Audi A4 on Interstate 81 northbound in the town of Onondaga, Onondaga County.
While returning back to his patrol car, he observed a blue 2012 Volkswagen traveling northbound in the driving lane and striking the passenger’s side rear of a white 2020 Hyundai that was traveling in the passing lane. The Volkswagen then struck the rear of the state police patrol car. Trooper LeFever was forced to jump over the guide rail as his patrol car struck him and the vehicle he pulled over in the rear.
Trooper LeFever and the operator of the Volkswagen, Brian Osadchey, age 50 from Lafayette, NY were both transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Hyundai, Emily A. DeSantis, age 24 from Riverhead, NY, and a 24-year-old passenger were not injured in the crash. The driver of the Audi, Ralph E. Amirata, age 50 from New Jersey was not injured in the crash.
Osadchey was ticketed for unsafe lane change.
State Police were assisted at the scene by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Nedrow Fire Department, Onondaga Nation Fire Department, and TLC Ambulance Services.
The investigation is continuing.